We recently connected with Braden Erickson and have shared our conversation below.

Braden, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most emotionally meaningful projects for me have to do with my loved ones or something else that I care deeply about. I feel fueled by the energy of others whether they are with me or not. I have to be on top of my game because the work I’m making is representing more than just me. Don’t get me wrong, most of the time I’m creating for myself, but there’s just something about giving to others through my work. The examples that come to mind include the multiple drawings that I have created for lifelong friend David who passed away a few years ago. I will always keep his memory alive through my work. Family portraits mean a lot to me as well. Whether it’s my own or a commissioned work for someone else’s, I do not take the responsibility and trust of representing them lightly. I also feel this way about doing logos and brand work for my friends’ golf business @div.pix. I’m actually working on a golf-inspired project right now called Front Nine. I’m really excited about it and it’s almost complete; so, keep an eye out for that.

Braden, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Braden Erickson and I’m an artist and graphic designer. I’ve been doing art for my whole life and started graphic design almost a decade ago. I specialize in drawing and oil painting, but can equally create logos, animations, photography or any other design assets. I have ample experience in screen-printing and fashion production as well. I’ve been in a few art shows and had some great opportunities this past year and I’m excited for more of those.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my opinion, supporting artists, creatives and a thriving ecosystem starts with the youth, as cliche as it may sound. Parents and teachers should encourage creativity in children from the day they are born, and I’d like to say that most of them do. I was blessed with such supportive parents and family members who wanted nothing more for me than to flourish creatively. For as long as I can remember I was encouraged and steered down this path in which I showed interest from a very young age. I had teachers and professors push me to give more effort in art or design classes which I now appreciate tremendously looking back. Shoutout to Mrs. Hehir, Ms. Z, Mr. Bailey, Rosie Bernardi and Randall Hoyt.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal in my creative journey is to move people with my art and design, and to be able to support myself and family comfortably through my craft. I want to work in all facets of the creative world and collaborate with all kinds of different artists. If all goes according to the plan, we’ll be legends at the end of this.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradensart/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradensart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradensart
• Other: https://voyagestl.com/interview/life-work-with-braden-erickson-of-sutton-ma-chesterfield-mo/